Potentially life-saving health checks are being offered for free to communities across North Yorkshire after tens of thousands of people in the county are estimated to be undiagnosed with high blood pressure.
It is estimated that more than 50,000 adults in North Yorkshire are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, based on data from 2024.
A blood pressure check can be the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure is a major cause of these diseases, but it usually has no symptoms until it is too late.
As part of Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers Week, which is taking place this week (from Monday, 7 September to Sunday, 13 September), we are working with a range of local services to raise awareness and make blood pressure checks more accessible for residents.
Libraries across the county will loan a blood pressure monitor, which are available all year round to any of their members for free. If you are not a member, it is free and easy to sign up and then ask a member of staff for a blood pressure monitor.
Executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ – no symptoms, just risk.
“It can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause kidney disease, dementia and other illnesses. However, these tragedies can be prevented through awareness of high blood pressure, blood pressure checks and management.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of these free and life-saving convenient blood pressure checks. It only takes a few minutes and could make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing.”
Library locations and opening times can be found here.
Meanwhile, the importance of regular blood pressure checks is highlighted by the experience of Alison Marshall from Selby.
During her first pregnancy in 2020, she developed a serious complication linked to high blood pressure at 36 weeks and required an emergency caesarean section after being admitted to hospital.
Following the birth of her daughter, Mollie, Mrs Marshall’s blood pressure returned to normal and she focused on improving her health through weight loss and regular exercise.
However, despite feeling fit and having no symptoms, a routine GP appointment revealed that her blood pressure had become persistently high again, leading to ongoing treatment and monitoring.
As the community projects lead for the Sherburn and Villages Community Trust, she was keen to support the introduction of community blood pressure checks. When volunteers began offering checks at the Trust’s Cuppa Connect sessions, she decided to take part herself and the check revealed that her blood pressure was extremely high.
Prompted by the result, she contacted her GP and underwent further monitoring, which showed her medication was no longer working effectively. Following changes to her treatment and several months of follow-up care, her blood pressure is now well managed.
Mrs Marshall said: “High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms and can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle.
“Inspired by the support and information I have received through local health initiatives, I have adopted healthier habits, including increasing my daily activity, reducing salt intake and switching to decaffeinated drinks.
“I am now a passionate advocate for community blood pressure checks and encourage others to take advantage of the free, accessible services available through Sherburn and Villages Community Trust, including checks offered at Cuppa Connect sessions and during Know Your Numbers Week events.”
Residents can access free blood pressure checks at locations including community pharmacies.
Meanwhile, self-service blood pressure checks can be taken at the health kiosk in the urgent treatment centre reception area of Whitby Community Hospital, seven days a week between 8 am and 8 pm.
And to support Know Your Numbers Week, additional blood pressure checks are available at all of our Active North Yorkshire leisure and wellbeing hubs from 7 to 13 September, with the exception of Selby Health and Wellbeing Hub, where a separate programme is being delivered through the Selby Healthy Hearts Community Champions project. Centre locations and opening times can be found here.